Tips To Help Your Healing

How’s Your Posture When Driving?

Vehicles

Sit on the edge of the seat when getting in, and then swing both legs together, pivoting on an axis.
DO NOT put one leg in first then sits down heavily.
If the length of the seat is too close to the dashboard, move it back when getting out so it’s ready when getting back in. This is particularly important for patients with low back pain.
Keep your head of the head rest to avoid “Forward Head Posture“.

Switch hands when using the phone.
DO NOT cradle the phone (mobile or otherwise) in the crook of your neck. It will destabilize the cervical spine and require more care.
Secretarial and sales people who use the phone a great deal should look into purchasing a lightweight headset.

Everyone knows the correct way to lift: most of us just don’t do it. DO IT!
There are circumstances where it is difficult to lift correctly, particularly betting bags in and out of your car. The bumper does not allow one to bend the knees. Bring the grocery bag to you first and lift carefully.
If it is repetitive lifting, make it easier! Take breaks. Use equipment to help.

Sitting should be upright, not slouched.
Walking should be with the head level or slightly elevated, not looking at the ground.
If good posture cannot be maintained, use cushions, upright chairs, or other equipment to assist you

Waterbeds tend to become a problem once the patient has initiated spinal care. Among the several reasons why waterbeds irritate healing spines are temperature and lack of support.
Prior to beginning chiropractic care, a combination of spine-related problems, poor pillow and poor beds will still allow rest. After initiation of care, a good pillow, bed and chairs are essential for getting rest and healing.
Sleep on a firm mattress, preferably one that is neither too hard nor too soft, but just firm enough to hold your body level, while soft enough so that your shoulders and hips depress into the mattress.
When lying down: Keep the torso straight, lay down on either side, bringing the feet up, knees and ankles together. Use the arms to help the upper body. Reverse for getting into bed.

Posture should be upright, not slouched.
When working at a desk, elevate materials to avoid neck fatigue. Better yet…. Stand!
When sitting, choose a chair that has adequate firmness to hold your weight comfortably, and then sit straight. Avoid too soft, over stuffed chairs.
Cross legs only at the ankles, not at the knees. Crossing your legs at the knees could aggravate existing back conditions as well as interfere with the circulation to the lower limb.

Have your pillow checked by this office.
Use it correctly as directed.
The ideal pillow is one, which supports your head so that your neck vertebrae will be level with the rest of your spine. Avoid sleeping on two pillows; never lie on a couch with your head on the armrest.

Avoid rubbing, probing or poking in the areas your doctor adjusts. Allow the body time to heal.
Avoid sudden twists of turns of movement beyond normal limits of motion, especially of the neck.
Avoid extreme bending of your spine in any direction; avoid reaching or other overhead work. Be particularly careful when brushing or shampooing your hair.
Participate in simple exercises to strengthen your body, but avoid jarring activities that place stress on your neck and spine.

Set aside a special time each day for complete mental and physical relation. This is important in the restoration – as well as maintenance – of normal health.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep to allow your body to recuperate and repair.
Sleep on your back or on your side with your legs flexed slightly, not drawn up tightly. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Raise your head off the pillow when changing positions.
Do not sleep sitting in a chair or in cramped quarters. Lie down in bed when it is time to sleep.